When choosing a staircase for your family home, there are a number of considerations to keep in mind so that your space can remain safe, functional and stylish. Whether you’re looking for a statement feature piece or simple, practical staircase design, this article will be your guide on how to choose the perfect staircase for your family.
Table of Contents
1. Space
The first thing to consider when staircase shopping is how much space you have at your disposal. Although a grand, spiral staircase may look beautiful, it will take up more room than other designs. If you’re limited on space, a compact straight or L-shape design may be the most practical. If you have a larger area to work with, you could try a more decorative design like a U-shape, curved or helical staircase.
Some staircase designs even allow for additional storage to be fitted under the stairs – great if you have children’s toys, shoes, coats or other household items that you can’t find the space for!
2. Family Needs
Once you’ve decided what shape of staircase will work best in your home, it is important that you also consider the individual needs of your family members. For example, if you have young children or small pets, you won’t want a staircase with sharp corners or wide gaps in the handrails that they can slip through.
If there are elderly members of your family or those with mobility issues who will need to use the stairs, you may also want to consider using non-slip materials and sturdy handrails to prevent accidents. Plus, if you plan to live in your house for many years, a staircase with gentle risers, wider steps and a chairlift option could come in handy as you age!
3. Aesthetic and Style
The material and style of your staircase can dramatically change the look and feel of your space. For a traditional home, a wooden staircase can keep the space feeling classic and warm, whereas in a more modern home, you may want to opt for a metal or glass staircase that creates a more open, clean feel.
Think carefully about what designs will fit with your home’s style and consider whether you want your staircase to be a focal point of the room or seamlessly blend into the background.
4. Budget
The cost of staircases varies widely depending on the materials, style and overall shape you choose. The more complex and custom a design is, the more expensive it will be to install. So if you are looking for a cheaper model, you may want to choose a simpler, straight flight design over a spiral or curved.
It is also important you consider the long-term durability of the materials you choose. While the upfront cost may be higher for some materials like metal, stone or glass, they are expected to last longer and be less expensive to maintain over time, saving you money in the long run!
By taking these considerations into account – space, family needs, style and budget – you can choose the perfect staircase that enhances both the practicality and aesthetic of your home, while meeting the needs of your family.
